He told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “There are no definites in boxing. If the fight can be made, and it makes sense for Groves and his manager Adam Booth, then they’ll take the fight and I’ll do what I do and defend against my mandatory. I’ll fight anybody. I’ve proven that over years. I fear no man and I’ll jump in with him.

“I don’t know if it’s going to happen. Eddie Hearn is talking to him and he’s looking at different options. It can get a bit confusing. The fight may or may not happen before Christmas.”

“I’ve got nothing against George Groves,” he added. “It’s hard for me to have anything against any other fighter. When they talk rubbish it’s just to build the fight up and make some money because it’s business.

“I’m too long in the tooth for that. I’ve been a pro for 11 years, a four times world champion, I’ve had ten world title fights. If someone has something bad to say about me it just makes me laugh. I do my talking with my fists.

“I’m confident in saying if I fight him, I will beat him. I’ve got no problem with that. The guy’s not ready for me. He might be ready one day, but I doubt it. If he fights me, he’s going to get beaten.”